Can I cut glass myself? Do I need a professional to do it?

Very easy! *****

http://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Glass ***** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfdrgrOH50Y

Thanks! Going to try it!

You can do it- here are the tools you'll need: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/q-what-tools-can-be-used-to-cut-glass--16743741

And here's a tutorial specifically for cutting bottles http://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft/candles/diy-beer-bottle-glass-cutting-candles-at-home-24839405?expand_all_questions=1

be careful if shelves are tempered glass they cant be cut

Tempered glass is tempered after it's cut. If cut then, it breaks, into small squares, like a car windshield. Don't know why your hutch would have tempered glas, unless it's the shevles themselves. The front edge will then be rolled or rounded over so as to not cut a person. You should check w a good size hardware store, like Home Depot. They sell glass shelves. Plexiglas shelves are about 2 to 3 times the cost. You could replace them w wood. My hutch has wooden sheshelves. Door pieces have a frame around them so the edges can be normal and sharp.

Having read all of your above suggestions I have this to add. OIL the cutter wheel with (almost any kind of oil) machine or kerosine oil is OK. I've even used olive oil in a pinch.

1. A hard or soft surface is NOT necessarily preferred but a clean surface is. I've been doing glass for 50 years on a wood table top. (with a brush handy)

2. Glass does not need to be spotless but should have no grit because that will hinder your score.

3. When you score you are NOT cutting the glass but you are disturbing the surface molecules. The break run along the hot/active molecules. The wheel needs to be where you want your cut----not the straight edge.

4. A hard score is NOT best. All that does is damage your cutter. If you are kicking up dust you are causing damage to your cutter and probably throwing a double fissure. practice: Take old old piece of glass and make several scores, a hard, less hard, less hard, etc. And you will find that every one of the scores will break. The softer the score the better the break. But we all do like to hear that sound because it gives us comfort. But is NOT necessary.

5. Start as near the edge of the glass as you can because the glass will take it's own path if you do not. You could end up with some ears on the edge. Ears not good when trying to install.

6. And a good comfortable way to break the glass after the score is to slide a needle or pin under the score line and press on the side of the glass that you want to remove.

7. Or slide the glass to the edge of the table and put your thumbs under the score and slightly lift the score line. This means you are not having to life a large piece of glass and causing other problems.

Glass has a mind of it's own and sometimes will decide where it wants to break. So don't be disheartened. The more you cut the more confidence you will have. Use some old picture frame glass and practice or ask your lumber yard for some scraps to practice.

There are TONS of other cutting tricks but I'm sure everyone wants me to shut it off for now. Good luck and happy cutting. It a power trip.

Thanks for the info! Very helpful. Gives me confidence I can do it!